The plantar arch revisited.

In 20 random cadaveric feet, the arterial plantar arch, its anastomosis with the medial plantar artery, and the communication between the lateral plantar and the dorsal arteries of the foot were studied. The anatomic variations found in this material are described and illustrated. The presence of a "classic" anastomosis between the medial and lateral plantar arteries was observed in only 20 percent of cases. The "classic" conjunction of the dorsal artery with the lateral plantar artery was found in 95 percent of cases. The authors conclude that most variations in the contributions to the plantar arch have not been previously reported, and these may have clinical consequences.